Community Foundation & K21 Health Foundation Invest Over $131,000 To Strengthen Families and Prevent Abuse

The Kosciusko County Community Foundation, in partnership with the K21 Health Foundation, has awarded $131,012 to support programs focused on preventing child abuse and neglect and promoting long-term family wellness in Kosciusko County.

The critical investments reflect a shared commitment to addressing the root causes of abuse and neglect through innovative, community-based solutions. Two local organizations, Bowen Health and Fellowship Missions, were selected for their collaborative approaches to supporting vulnerable families and children.

“At the heart of this effort is a belief that every child deserves to grow up in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment,” said Stephanie Overbey, CEO at the Kosciusko County Community Foundation. “It is our hope that by supporting initiatives that focus on helping vulnerable families improve their physical and mental wellness and their support systems, children will thrive.”

Bowen Health received $31,012 to implement a comprehensive family wellness initiative in a geographic area of the county that has a disproportionately high number at-risk families, based on a number of social factors. The project will focus on:

• Regular wellness visits to identify and address health concerns.  
• Implementation of the Strengthening Families program to build parenting skills and social support networks.
• Youth and family engagement activities to reduce isolation.

Fellowship Missions, and the “More Than Enough” initiative, received $100,000 to create a county-wide coalition aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect through service coordination and expansion. The project will focus on:  

• Mobilization of local churches and community partners to increase outreach.
• Hiring new community coordinators to strengthen support systems.
• Addressing urgent needs of low-income families to reduce stressors linked to abuse.

“This isn’t just about funding programs, it’s about building a community where families feel supported and children can thrive,” said Rich Haddad, President and CEO at the K21 Health Foundation. “We’re proud to stand beside these organizations as they lead the charge in making Kosciusko County safer and healthier for our children.”

These grants are a powerful step forward in a county-wide movement to promote safety, wellness, and lasting change for families in need. Interested community members and organizations can contact Alex Hall, Vice President of Programs at the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, at alex@kcfoundation.org for more information.